Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on Tuesday became the second Republican senator to call for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down amid mounting criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the controversial federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
Murkowski criticized Noem’s “rhetoric” and response following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse at a Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, by a Border Patrol agent during a protest. Video evidence appears to contradict early official claims about the encounter.
“I voted for her. I think the president needs to look at who he has in place as a secretary of Homeland Security. I would not support her again. And I think it probably is time for her to step down,” Murkowski told reporters when asked whether Noem should resign.
Murkowski said Noem’s handling of the situation “has taken a direction that has not been helpful to the situation, and I don’t think that it helps the country,” adding that accountability needs to extend “all the way to the top.”
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) was the first Republican senator to call for Noem’s resignation, as broader bipartisan calls grow for accountability over the shootings of Pretti and another Minneapolis resident, Renee Good, by federal agents.
Democratic House leaders have also threatened impeachment proceedings if Noem is not removed, and pressure has increased on Congress and the administration to conduct a thorough investigation, amid concerns over federal immigration enforcement tactics.
President Trump has publicly defended Noem, saying she is doing a “very good job” and is expected to remain in her post despite bipartisan calls for her departure.
